Thanks lt_texan for the great write up!!! Mods, could we get this added to the "How-To's" section?

Just a heads-up for anyone with the Sport Package (active sway bars) there is a LOT less room towards the front of the car (immediately noticeable when comparing pics in this thread with what you have on your X5). As a result it helps to have abnormally small hands and skinny forearms...at least when it comes to dealing with the thermostat/waterpump bolts. Fortunately any of the "heavy lifting" is done from either the rear of the pump/thermostat housing or from up top.